Add Sweetness to Your Day with Licorice: Exploring the Health Benefits
Discover the sweet and healthful benefits of licorice root! Known for more than its distinctive flavor, licorice root is a herb acclaimed for its wide array of health benefits. From aiding digestion to supporting adrenal health, licorice root has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a woody perennial native to parts of Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean region. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin which is fifty times sweeter than table sugar. As such, this plant is commonly used in the food industry as an additive to baked goods, beverages, and various sweets. Licorice is also used in some cultures as a mouth freshener and tooth cleaner.
Medicinally, licorice has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. The main part of the plant used for this purpose is the rhizome. The supportive properties of this wonderful plant are extensive. Licorice rhizome is considered supportive with coughs, can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, may reduce heartburn symptoms, can protect the kidneys and liver, etc. It is strongly antimicrobial and can help with many viruses including herpes simplex-1 (think cold sores) and varicella (think chicken pox). Licorice was also found to help support healthy menopause in women. It helps support healthy hormones by reducing testosterone production, especially in women, has estrogen-like actions, and has been shown to reduce body fat. Additionally, it was also found to reduce the occurrence of hot flashes.
A Sweet Solution for Digestive Health
Licorice root is renowned for its soothing properties, particularly for gastrointestinal health. It's often used to alleviate discomforts like indigestion and heartburn. Products like Priority One Licorice Plus and Integrative Therapeutics Rhizinate incorporate licorice root to provide digestive support in a natural, effective way.
Boosting Adrenal and Immune Health
Licorice is also known for its potential to support adrenal health and the immune system. NeuroScience's Adrecor with Licorice Root and Ortho Molecular's Balance use licorice extract to enhance adrenal function and maintain a healthy immune response.
Delicious and Beneficial: Licorice in Your Diet
Enjoying the benefits of licorice doesn't have to be boring. Enzymedica's DGL Gummies offer a fun and tasty way to incorporate licorice into your daily routine.
Licorice in Herbal Medicine
Licorice's versatility extends into the realm of herbal remedies. Products like Viragraphis include licorice to harness its medicinal properties.
Licorice can be purchased in syrups, extracts, tea, powders, etc., from most health food stores. It has a cooling, sweet flavor which can be easily enjoyed as a tea, especially during the winter months. As it is a rhizome, it should be allowed to steep covered for 8 to 10 minutes before consuming. This herb is generally well-tolerated in healthy adults at 1 to 2 grams daily, but it should not be used daily for more than a couple of weeks due to how it can affect hormones.
Incorporating licorice root into your health regimen can offer numerous benefits. Licorice can interfere with how your body processes medications, so it should be used with caution under the advice of your health professional. Explore the world of licorice and its many health benefits today!